Remembrance: A Contemporary Erotic Romance (Iris Series Book 4)

by Lynn, Rebecca

  Ryann looked ready to dance the night away in her swingy multi-colored dress and heeled boots.

  “Hey yourself,” Janie smiled, giving her a hug. “I just saw Jem talking to Luke and Mike, so I figured if he left you alone, you must’ve been in the bathroom.”

  Ryann snorted while blushing at the same time, a natural occurrence for her whenever Jeremy was mentioned. “You know your cousin well,” she said dryly.

  “I do. You got him wrapped around your little finger, sweetheart,” Janie said, taking the lip gloss out of Ryann’s hand, looking at the name. “I haven’t tried this brand. Do you mind?”

  “Have at it. So,” Ryann said, leaning her hip against the counter, “have you seen Tiffany out there with the good doctor?”

  “Uh, huh. She’s looking good, isn’t she?” They both gushed and smiled. Tiffany had had a crush on Dr. Drew for months and had only begun talking to him more regularly in the last several weeks. Ever since she’d come off of a bad divorce, she was taking it slowly, but there was no doubt she was wildly attracted to the biracial doctor who was built like a football player. He was in his mid-thirties and had asked Tiffany out once a couple of months back, but Tiffany bailed because she was so nervous. She’d finally calmed her nerves enough around him to actually talk to him rather than babble like a woman on the verge of a panic attack.

  “I hope something happens there. He’s such a great guy.”

  “He is. And it doesn’t hurt that he’s easy on the eyes,” Janie smiled. “He’s got that whole Lenny Kravitz thing goin’ on. Maybe with the foundation starting up, she’ll find some more reasons to call on him for his expertise,” Janie laughed.

  “I hope so. She’s so funny when it comes to him.”

  “I know. She’s totally sunk over the guy.”

  “I think the feeling may be mutual, but she just needs to stop being so nervous around him and just go out with him. Alone,” Ryann laughed.

  “Well, the fact that she invited him tonight is a step in the right direction.”

  “Yeah. And the foundation sounds awesome, doesn’t it? I can’t wait for it to get started,” Ryann said excitedly. Tiffany, with Emily’s help as her attorney, was currently working on starting up a foundation for girls in Harlem. As an after school program, Tiffany was hoping to create a safe and educational space for girls where they could learn a multitude of skills. She was calling on all of her friends to think about contributing in some way. Between all of them, they’d be able to offer classes on a plethora of disciplines including cooking, finances, first aid/CPR, self-defense, woodworking and art, and basic counseling needs.

  “She’s hoping to open up for a few days starting this summer, then run it full force once school starts next fall,” Janie said.

  “Yeah, that’s the plan,” Ryann agreed. “So,” she said, her eyes twinkling, “you and Luke looked chummy out there on the dance floor.”

  Janie finally swiped the gloss on her lips and sent an amused look Ryann’s way. She smacked her lips together then took a deep sigh. Ryann kept examining her.

  “I’m thinkin’ we need another girls’ night to catch up,” Ryann said with a knowing smile, crossing her arms over her chest. “How are things progressing there?”

  Janie turned to face her. “Pretty good.” She paused. Ryann waited. “Things seem to be shifting a little,” Janie said, almost shyly. “I’ve been throwing myself at him every chance I get. And Mike? You should see how friggin’ funny he is!” Janie told her of the encouraging comments her brother kept making.

  Ryann giggled. “That’s because he’s in love. He’s adorable.”

  “I’m tellin’ ya, after watching Jem and Mike take the fall, it truly is amazing to watch them in action. I never imagined they’d be this way. Now that they’re goners, I can’t even remember what they used to be like before.” Janie had a look of delight on her face. “Jem is so in love with you, Ry. I love watching you two together.”

  Ryann reached out and took her hand. “I’m so in love with him. I mean, everything about him,” she sighed dreamily. “I never thought…” her voice drifted on a memory.

  “You never thought you’d find another love after your late husband.” Janie watched her.

  “I hoped, but you just never know. And now, I can’t imagine my life without him,” she said about Jeremy. “Your cousin definitely gets my heart pumpin’, if you know what I mean,” Ryann said, fanning her flushed cheeks.

  Janie barked out a laugh. “I can’t believe he’s not pounding on the door right now to say you’re taking too long.”

  “Five dollars says he’s standing outside the restroom right now.”

  “You’re on,” Janie laughed.

  They both walked to the door and Ryann pulled it open. There in the hallway stood Jeremy and Luke, deep in conversation.

  Jem’s face lit up when the girls walked out. “It’s about time,” he pouted cutely. “I missed you,” he said, grabbing Ryann in his arms and dipping her, giving her a very slow sexy kiss. Seeing a pout on a gorgeous man was definitely something.

  Janie met Luke’s eyes and a look passed between them.

  Ryann was blushing madly when Jem brought her up from the dip and she looked back at Janie with an I told you so wag of the eyebrow.

  “The next drink is on me,” Janie said acknowledging Ryann’s win and rolling her eyes good naturedly, waving them away.

  “Dance with me, kitten,” Jem murmured to Ryann. “Later you two,” he tossed out to Luke and Janie, and then swept his woman away.

  “What are you doing outside the girls’ room, Mr. Daniels? Did you get lost?” Janie asked with a cheeky smile.

  “Nope, I’m exactly where I need to be.” He stepped closer. “I saw that woman dancing out there with Mo so I thought I’d look for you.” He took another step closer, pulling gently on one of her curls. “Looks like he didn’t want to be interrupted after all.” He looked smug.

  She cocked her head. “He’s saving a dance for me later,” she said. It was only a little fib.

  “Ah,” he nodded.

  “This is his first night dancing the salsa so I figured I could show him some of my new stellar moves,” she smiled smartly up at him then yelped when he pulled on her curl a little harder. He moved closer and leaned down to her ear.

  “This is your first night dancing the salsa too. A more knowledgeable partner can show you what you need to know to make the experience more,” he whispered with a smile, “pleasurable.”

  A chill went through her and she would swear he was smelling her neck, his lips so close.

  “You might be right,” Janie murmured, moving her head to the side so he could get closer.

  He released her hair. “I am,” he said confidently. “When it comes to matters of pleasure, I know what I’m talking about.” He stepped back with a cocky smile.

  She pursed her lips. She didn’t like thinking of him gaining all of that experience in matters of pleasure with the women of the world. Two could play at this game. “Well, in that case, get to it, Daniels. I’m ripe for some more pleasure.” She leaned into him slightly. “My ten minutes from earlier only stoked the flames higher, so,” she licked her lips, “I’m looking forward to whatever else you have to impart from your wealth of knowledge and expertise.”

  He was looking at her mouth, her tongue that was darting out to touch her lip. He finally dragged his eyes to meet hers. “That fuckin’ mouth, Janie. I swear,” he muttered with a dry look. Then he grabbed her hand and took her to the dance floor.

  They spent the next couple of hours dancing and having a grand old time with all of the friends. Janie did indeed dance with Mo who told her happily that he got Gabriela’s number. She was glad for him. By the time Janie was back in Luke’s limo on the way home, two things were decided: one, the girls were having a get together that next Friday night to chat in a more intimate setting and to celebrate Tiffany’s birthday; and two, Janie absolutely without a doubt needed to have a session wi
th her vibrator.

  Luke had stirred her up to the point of insanity. Her insides were frazzled, her nerve endings over sensitized, and her heart was beating to the rhythm of take me now. Luke hadn’t let up once the entire time they’d been out. He kept his hands on her all night, occasionally letting them drift to stroke her butt or the sides of her breasts…all under the guise of salsa instruction. He never acknowledged the intimate feather light touches, just acted like that was the way of it when you danced the salsa. He appeared completely unaffected.

  She gritted her teeth after they dropped everyone off and she and Luke were finally heading back toward Tribeca. Alone.

  She focused out the window, trying to calm her mind and frenzied nerves.

  I mean, what the hell was he doing touching me like that all night and not doing anything about it, leaving me so unsatisfied? The big jerk.

  She needed to get off. With a vengeance. It was as if she hadn’t already come twice earlier that day. Ridiculous.

  “What are you thinking about?” he asked from behind her, causing her to finally look at him. “Salsa instructors again, perhaps?” He gave her a self-satisfied look.

  She narrowed her eyes. “Nope,” she said flippantly.

  “Did you enjoy your first night learning the salsa?”

  “It was okay,” she said waiting to see his reaction and crossed her arms over her chest, pressing them into her hardened nipples to stop them from tingling.

  He cocked his head. “Just okay?” He waited then began to smile. Knowingly. Arrogantly. He tsked, “I’m sorry to hear that. Usually my ‘wealth of knowledge and expertise’ leaves women wanting more.”

  She glared playfully. “Well, apparently I’m not like your other women.”

  He chuckled. “No, you’re definitely not.”

  That caused her to stop. “Meaning?”

  “Meaning there’s nothing about you that is remotely like the women I’ve ever dated, Janie,” he said sardonically.

  She continued glaring. When he kept looking at her with that mysterious smile, she mumbled, “Whatever.” She turned and looked out the window. Why did that admission from him hurt so much?

  “You don’t want me to explain? I’m shocked,” he said toying with her. “Don’t hold back that feisty mouth of yours now.” She could hear the humored exasperation in his voice. She looked back at him. He had her in such a state, she’d left her sense of humor on the dance floor.

  She rolled her eyes and smiled slightly at her reaction to his words. “Why is there nothing about me that is remotely like the women you’ve ever dated, Luke?” she asked like a puppet with a hint of exasperation.

  He took a second before replying then shrugged. “No other woman has ever given me a hard time like you do on a regular basis.” He looked…happy? Impressed? Proud? She couldn’t get a read on his expression.

  “Umm, thanks?” she said.

  He laughed. “And no other woman drives me bonkers like you.”

  “Wow, so many compliments, Luke. You’re making me swoon here.”

  He continued chuckling, “Or laughs at me as much as you. My poor battered ego,” he said covering his heart as if wounded.

  “Yeah, you’re ego really needs to be built up more. You’re sorely lacking in that department, poor thing,” she said with a mini eye roll.

  The limo slowed outside her loft. When it came to a complete stop, Luke opened the door. “I got this, Kenneth,” he called out, stopping his driver from coming around. Luke stepped out and helped her from the car. He walked her up to the front door of the building. “Key?”

  “I know how to unlock a door, Luke,” she breathed, taking her key out of her small wrist clutch she’d brought for her necessities that night. She couldn’t help it, but when he walked her to the door, it made her nervous.

  He took the key from her hand and opened the door, muttering, “Or complains when I’m being a gentleman and making sure she’s home safely,” he said obviously continuing his list of reasons why she was different from the women he dated.

  “Sorry,” she murmured, feeling guilty. He walked her up the short flight of stairs to her loft door, used her key again and slid open her door, stepping back for her to enter. “Thank you,” she said as she walked in and turned back to him. God, all of the sudden she was terrified with him standing outside her front door.

  “You’re welcome.” He handed her back her key, then without warning, he cupped her face and leaned down.

  Shitshitshitshitshitshit…

  He kissed her cheek softly and murmured in her ear, “Thanks for letting me instruct you. I enjoyed it immensely.”

  She held her breath until he leaned back with a heated look and a smile, pulled a curl of hair. He tweaked her nose. “Have a good sleep, baby girl.” His eyes moved to her lips, then back to her eyes, and he left.

  Once she’d closed the door, she enjoyed her third round that day of an enjoyable ten minutes.

  Chapter 5

  The following Friday after the salsa lessons with Luke, she waited for the girls to arrive at her place for the little gathering they’d planned. She smiled while reminiscing over the funny texts she’d had with her dream man that week.

  During one of her adolescent moments over a year ago, she’d signed up to receive alerts every time one of the entertainment newsfeeds in the City pictured or mentioned Luke. Not one of her proudest moments, but there it was. Who knew that she would be pictured with him a year later?

  The photographer who had taken the picture of them leaving lunch the week before had posted the photo of her getting into Luke’s limo with the caption that read, So many redheads, so little time. It mentioned that the handsome CEO Luke Daniels was apparently stepping out on his model girlfriend, Vanessa Monroe, proving again that he was indeed still a ladies’ man.

  After seeing it, Janie had started the first round of texts from the week.

  JC: Did u know we were dating? How am I dating u and not gettin’ any?

  She chuckled and waited for his response, which came moments later.

  LD: U most assuredly would be gettin’ it if u were dating me. So, what am I missing here?

  She’d smiled, her body heating with arousal, and sent him the link to the photo and caption. He’d responded a couple of minutes later.

  LD: That’s a good picture of u. Those boots look great. As I knew they would.

  JC: Maybe we can use this to our advantage. Pull some men in with it for ur research w/ the list. I’m sure I’d be seen as much more appealing if men knew I snagged u.

  LD: U don’t need to add a thing to be more appealing. I told u. You’ve got the sparkle thing down pat.

  JC: Sparkle, shmarkle. Use it if it will find me a man, Daniels.

  LD: What’s the emoticon for an eye roll?

  JC: Now ur just being mean.

  LD: I need to call my mom before she sees this or she’ll start planning the wedding. I’m assuming you’d like to have a say in the color scheme before she goes crazy.

  JC: I would like a say, yes, but I trust your mother completely. She has great taste.

  LD: She’ll be happy to hear it. P.S. I forgot to give u ur dress and heels again after salsa dancing. I’ll drop them by this week sometime.

  That last text from him had made her stomach a nervous wreck and had caused butterflies to take root every time she thought of his words.

  As if her mind hadn’t already been taken up with all things male related, now she sat staring at her phone while waiting for the girls, looking at the current Facebook message that had just come in.

  Blinking disbelievingly, she focused her eyes again to make sure she was reading the message correctly:

  Hey there, stranger. It’s been a while. U look great, btw. Would love to meet up for some drinks. R u interested? -Chaz Cardosa

  Chaz the Razz had sent her a Facebook message. She couldn’t believe it. Her stomach flipped as memories of her childhood flooded back. Years of him laughing, tormenting, ma
king comments about her boobs. They’d had a ton of classes together so she’d seen him a lot over her four years in high school, especially since their graduating class was fairly small, just over 100 students.

  She’d always laughed him off to his face. That’s how she’d dealt with all comments about her weight when she was younger. She’d always given back as good as she’d gotten, and knowing Chaz, he probably hadn’t even known how much she’d been hurting. She was the master at putting on a happy face.

  How the hell should she respond? He obviously had seen her current pictures. She made it a point never to post old ones of herself. She’d lived that life already and didn’t want to dwell on it any more than she had to. There was only one reason why he would want to touch base.

  He apparently liked what he saw.

  She felt a perverse pleasure in knowing he now thought she was pretty, worth asking out. He had been a popular, good looking guy in high school. A guy most girls wanted. Maybe she should go out with him just so he could have a look at what she’d never let him have. Flipping quickly through his own pictures, she noted he’d gotten only more handsome. Dark and Italian; she was definitely a sucker for that look in a man.

  Saying yes to his friend request, she responded that she was a chef and had a big catering job she was preparing for the following weekend, but that she’d be in touch with him after that. That would at least buy her some time.

  She heard the call box go off and ran to buzz the first of the girls in only to see Emily through the peephole moments later. Janie opened the door with a clang and smiled. They hugged then Emily walked in and gave her the wine she’d brought, kicked off her heels and tossed her purse on the floor.